What you say matters. Leaders lead. Set the example in your workplace and your private life.
I was interviewed yesterday by an Organizational Leadership student about my leadership style, lessons I’ve learned, and any advice I may have for a young leader. This got me thinking…
It’s been a little while since I’ve given any unsolicited advice!
I’ve decided to share a few lessons I’ve learned throughout my leadership journey that may be helpful to you. I will share one short thought a week through the end of 2024. I hope these are helpful, encouraging, and challenging to you, whether you are a new leader or someone who has been leading for a long time.
I figured I’d start with an easy one. It’s also one of my favorites.
What goes without saying; needs to be said.
How many times have you held back encouragement from someone because “they know”? It could be someone we are mentoring or developing in a new role and they’re doing a great job. Do you say, “I’m proud of you, " or assume they know?
We don’t say things like this sometimes because it feels awkward. We don’t know the person very well yet. They may be close in age to us or even older than us, and they might even have more experience. Rather than pushing past the awkwardness and telling someone something that will encourage, build them up, and energize them, we stay quiet. We let the moment pass and hope they pick up on how valuable they are to the team and how much they are appreciated.
Think about what comes out of your mouth to the people you are leading. Is it only small talk, instruction, and correction? It's not that there isn't a place for these or that they're not vital. However, it is equally important to tell the people we lead that we are proud of them, the team is better with them on it, and their contribution is valuable.
This isn’t just for the big stuff either. Telling someone you appreciate the way they are always helping others in the office or how they care for others in the way they interact with them, not only builds them up but reinforces the culture you are trying to create as a leader.
Most importantly THIS APPLIES 100 TIMES GREATER for your family and the ones you love! Please, please, please, don’t ever get to a point where you assume the people in your life who you care about just KNOW how you feel about them, so you don’t have to say it!
That’s a lazy approach to leadership and an even lazier approach to love.
You might say, “My wife knows I love her.” I’d say, “Have you told her today?”
She may have had a terrible day, or she might be in her own head about some insecurity. Let her know you still are wild about her.
Ladies, no matter how tough your husband comes off, he wants to know you love him and are proud of him.
And kids… are you kidding me? We should be telling them all day long the things we love about them, how proud we are to be called their parents, and how much we love them.
I’m not suggesting you don’t have a responsibility to correct and discipline your kids. Of course, you do, but saying what goes without saying lays the foundation for your kids to know that the reason you correct and discipline is your deep love for them.
How long has it been since you’ve told the important people in your life how much they mean to you?
Leaders lead. Set the example for this in your workplace and your private life.
Want to create a winning culture? Make a commitment that starting now, what goes without saying, will be said.
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